Change at the top for owner of Frankie & Benny’s

The owner of Frankie & Benny’s has ousted its chief executive, replacing him with the ex-boss of Paddy Power.

The Restaurant Group said that Danny Breithaupt will step down with immediate effect, with former Paddy Power chief executive Andy McCue due to take up the top job on 19 September.

“The board has completed the initial phase of the operating strategy review, and has decided that a new leader is needed to implement the initial actions and then prioritise the next phase of the review,” said the firm, which issued its latest profit warning in April.

Breithaupt had been with the group, which also operates the Chiquito and Garfunkel’s chains, for 15 years, including two as chief executive.

She added: “Between now and Andy joining, I will take a more active role in the business to ensure we maintain momentum on the operating strategy review and that we provide a comprehensive handover to him.”

The Restaurant Group is scheduled to announce its interim results on 26 August, when it will update investors on the review of its operating strategy.